Looking for the best activities in San Diego for kids? Check out my top 10!

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San Diego has become our home over the last couple of years and we are always out and about looking for fun things to do.

Here is a round-up of some of our favorite activities!

The San Diego Zoo

You couldn’t possibly come to San Diego with kids without making a visit to the zoo. This place is top notch.

Not only will you get to see a wide array of animals, there are plenty of fun playground areas and resting spots for kids to enjoy.

Both the San Diego Zoo and it’s sister park, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, are well worth the visit!

Click here for my posts Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo and Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

The New Children’s Museum

This fun museum is located right in downtown San Diego and will keep kids entertained all day long.

All of the exhibits are spaced out over three floors, giving kids plenty of free space to explore this massive building.

Each installation is carefully crafted and created by an artist to bring together the worlds of art and play.

This museum is also a great place for a kids birthday party.

As you can imagine, they cater to families, with special features like nursing nooks and even sensory friendly play installations.

Hours and play times vary so make sure to check their website prior to visiting. Click here for more information.

The Beach

As you can imagine, there is no shortage of beaches in San Diego. Whether you are looking for beach waves to ride or calm waters to relax, there is a beach for everyone here.

Head to La Jolla to check out the awesome tide pools, seals and tiger sharks. Coronado Beach is great for riding some waves and relaxing in the sun. Our favorite? Pulling our car right up on the sand of Fiesta Island for a relaxing beach day!

Visit Julian

This fun town is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Julian is located about an hour east of downtown San Diego and has such a warm, small town feeling.

There is so much to do, from apple picking and mining for gems to visiting a camel farm.

For more, check out my post The Best Activities in Julian, California!

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

This beautiful aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Here you will see some of California’s native species such as giant kelp, Moray Eels, Tiger Sharks and more!

For more information, click here.

LEGOLAND

Our kids LOVE Legoland. There is something for just about everyone here. Tons of fun rides, building stations, fun food, splash pads and so much more.

For even more fun, check them out when they are holding one of their holiday parties like their Brick-or-Treat Monster Party or Holidays.

For more information on LEGOLAND California, check out my posts How to Have the Best Day at LEGOLAND California and Our Stay at LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in California!

Belmont Park

Belmont Park is a beachside amusement park located in Mission Bay. If you are looking for the thrill of rollercoasters, rock climbing walls, laser tag and more, plan on spending a day here!

Want to take the kids swimming but not a beach person? The Plunge is a huge indoor pool with a fun obstacle course too!

There are a bunch of restaurants to choose from and the views are top notch.

Old Town

My kids loving checking out all of the little shops and adventures around Old Town.

It’s an especially fun place to visit during the holidays such as their Dia de Los Muertos Celebration, the Battalion Parade or even Cinco de Mayo!

If your kids are into learning about ghosts, you can also take a paranormal tour of the Whaley House, said to be one of the most haunted houses in all of the US!

To see more about Old Town, check out my post Old Town San Diego.

Balboa Park

There is something for everyone at this beautiful park within San Diego.

Here you will find the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Fleet Science Center, the Comic-Con Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Old Globe, the San Diego Zoo, and so much more!

There are always fun markets and events happening throughout the year in Balboa Park. Don’t miss a visit!

USS Midway Museum

If you have kids that like to touch buttons (what kid doesn’t), then the Midway is a great option!

This massive ship, which is permanently docked in San Diego, has so many nooks and crannys for kids to explore while also learning a little history.

We’ve been to this museum multiple times and our kids love it each time.

For an even more in-depth tour of the Midway, try out one of their Snooze Crewz Overnights! My son and I took advantage of this fun experience last fall and we had the BEST time!

Padres at Petco Park

We love to bring the kids to root for the Padres each season and Petco Park is one of the most family friendly ball parks we have ever been to!

There are a ton of themed games throughout the season and fun events for kids to take part in.

Last year, we were even able to go on the field after a game to watch a showing of Disney’s Frozen on the big screen! The kids absolutely loved it!

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Although I have already listed the San Diego Zoo in this list of things to do with kids in San Diego, I can’t pass up the chance to also mention the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Located just north of San Diego in Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a little hidden gem. This is a great place to check out animals roaming in wide open spaces.

Although I love the San Diego Zoo, I prefer the calm and quiet of this Safari Park and we always have the best time when we visit here.

Movies on the Rooftop

Check out a movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club located at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown!

Everyone watches the movie on the big screen while wearing headphones. This is a great place to watch a fun movie while taking in the amazing San Diego views. They have a full snack bar too!

Click here to view the upcoming schedule and purchase tickets!

I hope this list helps you decide on some fun activities to do in San Diego with kids!